I’ll Have What She’s Having!

One look at Evie and you will think, “I’ll have what she’s having!” This young mom, originally from New York where she worked in finance, is energetic, smart, charming, and in impeccable shape. Her secret to staying so fit? As she says, “No big secrets here! Eating real food and moving my body are big ones. Prioritizing quality time with friends and family is a really important source of emotional energy for me as well.” But Evie does share a fitness secret, in fact it is the same one Meghan Markle just touted – Megaformer Pilates also known as Lagree. Evie takes and teaches Megaformer classes at Evo Fitness. She took the time to share some fantastic tips on fitness, nutrition, and beauty routines in this interview.

I feel stronger physically and much more grounded mentally. My attitude towards diet and exercise feels like a much more sustainable lifestyle as compared with more of an all or nothing mindset in my early 20s.

Tell us about your typical morning routine? I start the day around 6.30 or 7 with a big glass of water and coffee as I prepare my 2 year old son Henry’s breakfast. I get Henry cleaned up (a rather extensive job these days as he favors yogurt for breakfast), and we play kitchen or build with blocks until its time to get dressed. Henry helps reorganize every drawer in the bathroom as I do a quick make up routine and throw on workout clothes. We’re usually out the door by 9 either for his pre-school or for me to teach at Evo.

What do you choose to eat throughout the day? I prefer to eat 3 larger meals with a snack or two rather than grazing all day. I find that getting an adequate, balanced amount of nutrients earlier in the day and actually feeling full keeps my energy levels up and helps me avoid grabbing junk later in the day. I also love food and love to eat!

Breakfast – I have a sweeter tooth in the morning. If I’ve prepped ahead, my favorite is pancakes made with an egg, oatmeal, and protein powder. In a crunch my go-to is Greek yogurt with berries and paleo granola (love those fats!). Either option is topped with a big spoonful of almond butter. Always.

Lunch – A typical lunch is an English muffin or sourdough bread with avocado and smoked salmon with chopped veggies and tzatziki on the side. For years I was a slave to the salad with grilled chicken combo and would have the worst stomachaches every afternoon. Paying attention to my body finally led me to choose seafood and eggs over meat earlier in the day and to avoid such big salads.

Afternoon snack – I typically grab something around 4 pm; this might be some combo of nuts, a cheese stick, yogurt, or a packaged bar.

Dinner – Dinner varies the most as my husband and I both love to cook! Our evening meal is usually pretty vegetable heavy with a protein, and a grain or potato. From there we love to experiment with different cuisines and whatever produce is in season. One of my favorite quick weeknight combos is a green curry with seafood or chicken and whatever vegetables we’ve got on hand served over black rice.

Treat – I pretty much always end the evening with dark chocolate; several bars of Endangered Species chocolate are staples in our freezer.

A few days a week will also include cocktails or glasses of wine and richer meals. Food is such a social thing in our household as we love to cook and explore restaurants, so I find sticking to this routine most days lets me really enjoy those indulgences.

What is your exercise routine? My current weekly routine is 1-2 megaformer classes at Evo, 1-2 strength circuits on my own, and 1-2 Orangetheory classes. These workouts complement each other really well, and the variety helps avoid both burnout and injuries. Its also includes a good bit of bonus social time! I take a day off every couple days as needed or as other commitments allow.

How do you motivate yourself to exercise? I try to view exercise as something I “get” to do rather than an obligation and to focus on how much calmer and more positive it makes me feel. A new playlist or outfit always helps too!

What energy boosting habits do you make part of your daily routine? No big secrets here! Eating real food and moving my body are big ones. Prioritizing quality time with friends and family is a really important source of emotional energy for me as well.

What are your sleep habits? I try for 6-8 hours of sleep per night and am working on limiting screen time before bed.

What is your favorite quote about aging? “Your body is not your masterpiece – your life is.”

How does how you feel now compare to your 20s? I feel stronger physically and much more grounded mentally. My attitude towards diet and exercise feels like a much more sustainable lifestyle as compared with more of an all or nothing mindset in my early 20s.

What do you love about getting older? I feel much more comfortable and confident in my own skin.

What do you detest about getting older? Each year seems to go by faster and faster!

What is your fitness advice to women? Choose something you truly enjoy and don’t be afraid to try something new or change it up!